Funeral Rites

In 2010, we took an extended look at the Order of Christian Funerals (OCF). The entire ritual book, its 438 numbered sections, underwent scrutiny and discussion in an attempt to understand the Church’s outlook on the funeral, and the various rituals that accompany the dead and the mourners on their way to eternal life.

On this page, you will find the contents of the OCF book ordered with headings for an easier review. As always, comments are welcome here. Even for old posts.

OCF 51 through 127 covers two options for the Vigil and related rites that take place before the funeral. We’ll start with the introductory section that describes and explains the structure and ministries of the Vigil:

The following sections, 235-342, deal with the situations of a funeral of a child. We mainly look at how these vary from the adult rite (51-233). Naturally, the basic structure remains the same, as do many aspects of the ritual.